Characterizing the Propionibacterium Load in Revision Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Study of 137 Culture-Positive Cases

Conclusions:
This investigation suggests that Propionibacterium is unevenly distributed within culture-positive revised shoulders. As a result, the specimen number and source (explant, soft tissue, or fluid) have major influences on the culture results for a revised shoulder arthroplasty. We found no evidence that suggested useful threshold values for defining a true infection.

Level of Evidence:
Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Source: JBJS - January 17, 2017 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Ahsan, Z. S., Somerson, J. S., Matsen, F. A. Tags: Infection, Shoulder Scientific Articles Source Type: research